In the past, vocational education has made significant contributions to achieving national goals and addressing national concerns. It can continue to do so, but only if the basis for federal investment in employment-related education and training is rethought. Among those areas of national concern to which vocational education must address itself are the following: strengthening vocational education in depressed communities, meeting the nation's need for qualified workers, keeping basic programs relevant, conserving and producing energy, helping groups that need more services, and responding to the nation's equity goals. If vocational education legislation is to sufficiently respond to these needs, it must do several things, including improving, revising, and reforming vocational education; building bridges with other delivery systems; recognizing that states have different needs; providing for state governance of vocational education; and matching federal expectations and federal appropriations. Vocational education can be a broader system, effectively addressing all of the employment-related educational needs of our nation, and can provide for a true partnership of national, state, and local interests. To build upon this foundation, new legislation must establish clear goals and priorities and provide an adequate base of support for the job that must be done. (MN)